Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Here is a passage from the website of the Bishop's Conference of England and Wales.It assumes that Nostra Aetate 2 ( a ray of the one Truth) refers to something visible and known in 2014. It infers that those saved with 'a ray of the one Truth' are personally known and visible in 2014. Since these deceased-saved with a 'ray of the one Truth' are allegedly explicit, objectively seen in England, they are known exceptions to the traditional interpretation of the dogma extra ecclesiam nulla salus. So for the Bishop's Conference Nostra Aetate is a break with the dogma extra ecclesiam nulla salus, the Catechism of Pope Pius X and the Syllabus of Errors.

Summary: The Vatican II document Nostra Aetate gave new life to the Church’s relationship with other religions. Members of other religions were presented as people with whom Christians should engage in dialogue and collaboration, and from whose spiritual lives inspiration can be drawn. This relationship has been actively fostered, particularly by recent Popes who have further expounded Church teaching through their pronouncements and actions.

The Church has different relationships with each religion, but first among these is the relationship with the Jewish people. The Church’s roots are in the history of God’s relationship with the Jewish people. Nostra Aetate makes clear that the Jews remain especially beloved by God and categorically rejects all forms of anti-Semitism.

Nostra Aetate recognises that there are elements of truth and holiness in other religions and acknowledges that the Holy Spirit is at work in them. Other religions contain ‘seeds of the Word’ and ‘a ray of the one Truth’. God’s good plan, and the promise of eternal life, applies to every human being. At the same time, Christ is the only one through whom it is possible to come to this eternal life. What is true and holy in other religions does not replace the Good News of Chris-tianity, but can create a fertile environment for it.

If the Bishop's Conference assumed that 'a ray of the one Truth'(NA 2) was invisible for us and known to only God then NA 2 would not contradict extra ecclesiam nulla salus and Tradition. It is based on this irrationality of being able to see the dead on earth saved with a 'ray of the one Truth' that the Bishops Conference can deny the dogma on exclusive salvation.

If the Bishop's Conference did not use this irrationality the Catholic Church in England and Wales would have to affirm extra ecclesiam nulla salus in accord with the Catechism and Vatican Council II(Nostra Aetate etc).

Here is another passage from the Bishop's Conference website with the irrational inference.

CAN GOD SAVE THOSE OUTSIDE THE CHURCH? Yes! The Church teaches that the saving grace of Christ is present outside the visible confines of the Church, in the work of the Holy Spirit bestowed on others and is still related to Christ and the Church.from MGFS Summary Leaflet (Leeds) available on the Bishop's Conference website.

Here the Bishop's Conference again implies that those saved outside the visible confines of the Church' are physically visible to us.It is irrational to assume that these cases can be seen in the flesh and then to go ahead and build a fantasy theology upon this irrational observation.

'The Church affirms the unity of all humanity and
recognises the God-given presence of truth and holiness in other religions' the Bishop's Conference states ignoring Dominus Iesus of Pope John Paul II. Dominus Iesus says other religions have errors and superstition and 'it would be contrary to the faith to consider the Church as one way of salvation alongside those constituted by other religions, seen as complimentary to the Church or substantially equivalent to her'.

1.If they did not use this irrationality, then the Bishop's Conference, like Bishop Michael Campbell, the Bishop of Lancaster, would be affirming the dogma extra ecclesiam nulla salus as being in accord with the Catechism (1993) and Vatican Council II.

2 Since the Bishop's Conference uses this irrationality, on the website of the Lancaster diocese it is not stated that there is exclusive salvation in the Catholic Church.

3 In no document of Pope Pius XII is it stated that there are known exceptions to the dogma extra ecclesiam nulla salus. Yet this error is implied in all the dioceses of England and Wales. It is part of the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies Course (CCRS).It is part of Catechesis and adult education of the Catholic Faith.-Lionel Andrades

Deacon Nick Donnellly in the Catholic diocese of Lancaster, England was the Designer and Writer of the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies Course (CCRS).On his blog Protect the Pope, managed by Mrs.M.Donnelly, I asked how do they interpret the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Do they use an irrational premise ? Do they consider those saved in 'ignorance of the Gospel' as being physically visible to us on earth? Can these cases be exceptions to CCC 846 ( 'the Church is necessary' in 'which all enter through Baptism as through a door', all need 'faith and Baptism) ? If they are not physically visible; if we cannot see these deceased with the naked eye can they be exceptions to extra ecclesiam nulla salus? Is the Catechism of the Catholic Church indicating that there is exclusive salvation in the Catholic Church?

Do they assume that CCC 846 is contradicted by CCC 847 and 848 ?

The post was wiped off. There was no answer.

-Lionel Andrades

CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

"Outside the Church there is no salvation"

846How are we to understand this affirmation, often repeated by the Church Fathers?335 Re-formulated positively, it means that all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body:

Basing itself on Scripture and Tradition, the Council teaches that the Church, a pilgrim now on earth, is necessary for salvation: the one Christ is the mediator and the way of salvation; he is present to us in his body which is the Church. He himself explicitly asserted the necessity of faith and Baptism, and thereby affirmed at the same time the necessity of the Church which men enter through Baptism as through a door. Hence they could not be saved who, knowing that the Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God through Christ, would refuse either to enter it or to remain in it.336

847This affirmation is not aimed at those who, through no fault of their own, do not know Christ and his Church:

Those who, through no fault of their own, do not know the Gospel of Christ or his Church, but who nevertheless seek God with a sincere heart, and, moved by grace, try in their actions to do his will as they know it through the dictates of their conscience - those too may achieve eternal salvation.

848 "Although in ways known to himself God can lead those who, through no fault of their own, are ignorant of the Gospel, to that faith without which it is impossible to please him, the Church still has the obligation and also the sacred right to evangelize all men."

I have received an e-mail from an official of the Diocese of Lancaster. He states:-

Dear Lionel,

Thank you for your fascinating article.(1) I have picked out these three points:

1 If they did not use this irrationality, then Bishop Michael Campbell would be affirming the dogma extra ecclesiam nulla salus as being in accord with the Catechism (1993) and Vatican Council II.

2 Since the bishop and the diocese use this irrationality, on the diocese website it is not stated that there is exclusive salvation in the Catholic Church.

3 In no document of Pope Pius XII is it stated that there are known exceptions to the dogma extra ecclesiam nulla salus. Yet this error is implied in the Diocese of Lancaster.

Can you clarify what it is that Bp Michael/Dioc of Lancaster affirms and explain the substance of the error.

My Response:

1 If they did not use this irrationality, then Bishop Michael Campbell would be affirming the dogma extra ecclesiam nulla salus as being in accord with the Catechism (1993) and Vatican Council II.

Lionel:

True, if they did not use the irrationality of being able to see the dead-saved the bishop would have to interpret extra ecclesiam nulla salus according to Fr.Leonard Feeney , the saints and the Church Councils.

2 Since the bishop and the diocese use this irrationality, on the diocese website it is not stated that there is exclusive salvation in the Catholic Church.

Lionel:

Since Bishop Campbell infers there is salvation outside the Church the website does not state there is exclusive salvation in the Catholic Church and all need to enter the Church with no exceptions in 2014.

The Bishop cannot name any one in England who is saved this year outside the visible limits of the Church. He does not know any one who is going to be saved in future without 'faith and baptism'(AG 7).

3 In no document of Pope Pius XII is it stated that there are known exceptions to the dogma extra ecclesiam nulla salus. Yet this error is implied in the Diocese of Lancaster.

I don’t fully understand the second sentence, the comma may be misplaced. Overall I take it you are saying that Bishop Michael infers that there is salvation outside the church (great news for non-catholics) but I am not sure whether your article is claiming that such a view is an error.

Can you clarify what it is that Bp Michael/Dioc of Lancaster affirms and explain the substance of the error.

Lionel:

Bishop Campbell is denying that there is exclusive salvation in the Catholic Church and is infering that there are known exceptions in the present times.

He is rejecting Ad Gentes 7 ( all need faith and baptism for salvation) and affirms all do not need faith and baptism for salvation. Since for him hypothetical cases mentioned in Vatican Council II (LG 16 etc) are de facto, known in reality.

The basic error is assuming that what is hypothetical, subjective and accepted in principle and faith only, is really defacto, known in reality, objectively seen and explicit for us.This is fantasy. Upon this fantasy he has built a new theology and new ecclesiology which rejects the traditional Catholic teaching on other religions and salvation.

Today bring to Me the Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little
Children,

and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most
closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw
them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them
whole torrents of grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.

Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from
Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most
Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children.
These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's
favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God
Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in
Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of
love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls,
upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which
is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest
resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your
very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear
these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all
souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages.
Amen.

Sister Maria Philomena is the Director of the Saint Augustine Institute of Catholic Studies (S.A.I.). (1) She writes studies at the Center (studies that go back over seventy years) are for those who can not be at Saint Benedict Center in person.It is the educational arm of the Crusade of Saint Benedict Center, one of the primary means by which they are working to convert America.

“America can be converted; but someone has to labor for the achievement of this great objective. And, indeed, it is an objective so great that no one individual can reasonably undertake it alone, and no group can do it without order, patience, sacriﬁce, discipline, and education for the job. Tis is, in brief, the purpose of the Saint Augustine Institute of Catholic Studies.” (Brother Francis, SAI Circular Letter #1, December 21, 1977)

Part of the organizational work I am doing (with the input of many colleagues) is to take S.A.I. and give it the structure Brother Francis had envisioned: this consists of books, videos, audio lectures, and articles from our studies and beyond. We are also outlining diﬀerent diplomas and certiﬁcates so that those who wish to study according to the school of thought of Saint Benedict Center can have incentives and guidance. (Of course, the Syllabus will still be available online for those who wish to study on their own.)

Te oﬃcial diploma, as Brother Francis anticipated, will be the equivalent of an Associates Degree (sixty credits). Te memory items and books reports outlined in the SAI Syllabus will still be required, although many of them will be worked into the forty-eight credit hours (15-16 hours of classes per credit hour) of classes in the four departments of Philosophy, History, Scripture, and Sacred Doctrine. Te remaining credits will be obtained by book reports and apostolate work (one hour every trimester devoted to sharing the fruits of your studies with others — lots of opportunities here!).My team and I are working on an aﬀordable online curriculum for you. We plan to give you the opportunity to follow a structured programcomplete with audio and video lectures, memory items, supplemental text documents, progress tracking, study helps, assessments, and book report submissions, all capped oﬀ with contact from me to help answer your questions and keep you on track.

I have often had adults tell me “Oh, I wish I could go back to school and be in your class!” Well, soon you can! ying together earlier lectures by Brother Francis (and various other speakers), I will be your personal guide through the S.A.I. so that you do not have to go through it alone. If you are interested in starting or continuing your studies at S.A.I., or if you are interested in helping (by writing interviews, doing audio transcription, writing quizzes and tests,

How do they interpret the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Vatican Council II. For SAI is CCC 846 contradicted by CCC 847, 848 ? Or is CCC 846 in agreement with extra ecclesiam nulla salus as interpreted by Brother Francis M.I.C.M and Fr.Leonard Feeney? There are no exceptions mentioned in the Catechism of the Catholic Church to the traditional interpretation of the dogma on exclusive salvation in the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis presides over an Easter vigil service in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican Saturday, April 19, 2014. Pope Francis baptized 10 people Saturday as he presided over an Easter Vigil in St. Peter's Basilica, fulfilling a ritual deep in meaning on the most solemn night of the Catholic calendar. Francis urged the priests, bishops, cardinals and ordinary Catholics gathered for the late night service to remember when they first found their faith. "Do I remember it? Have I forgotten it? Look for it. You'll find it. The Lord is waiting."

Photo By Alessandra Tarantino/AP

Pope Francis baptizes 10-year-hold Giorgio Capezzuoli during the Easter vigil service in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican Saturday, April 19, 2014. Pope Francis baptized 10 people Saturday as he presided over an Easter Vigil in St. Peter's Basilica, fulfilling a ritual deep in meaning on the most solemn night of the Catholic calendar. Francis urged the priests, bishops, cardinals and ordinary Catholics gathered for the late night service to remember when they first found their faith. "Do I remember it? Have I forgotten it? Look for it. You'll find it. The Lord is waiting."

Photo By Alessandra Tarantino/AP

Pope Francis kisses the Holy Gospel as he celebrates the Easter vigil service in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican Saturday, April 19, 2014. Pope Francis has presided over a solemn Easter Vigil in St. Peter's Basilica in which he is to baptize 10 people. The vigil is among the most solemn and dramatic on the church calendar, with Francis entering the darkened basilica with a lone candle which he then shares with others to slowly illuminate the church. The heavily symbolic service commemorates the darkness over the crucifixion of Christ on Good Friday and the joy and light at his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis baptized 10 people Saturday and urged them to bring their faith "to the ends of the Earth" as he presided over an Easter Vigil in St. Peter's Basilica.

The vigil is among the Vatican's most solemn services. Francis entered the darkened basilica with a lone candle, which he then shared with others to slowly illuminate the church. The symbolic service commemorates the darkness of the faithful over the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Good Friday and their joy and light at his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Francis urged the priests, bishops, cardinals and ordinary Catholics gathered for the late night service to remember when they first found their faith. "Do I remember it? Have I forgotten it? Look for it. You'll find it. The Lord is waiting."

Trying to remember isn't an act of nostalgia but rather a way to bring the "fire" of faith "to all people, to the very ends of the Earth," he said.

After his homily, Francis proceeded to baptize each of the 10, starting with Italian brothers Giorgio and Jacopo Capezzuoli, aged 8 and 10. "Do you want to be baptized?" he asked each one as he smiled.

He asked the same of the adult converts, who hailed from Vietnam, Belarus, Senegal, Lebanon, Italy and France.

It was the second late night for Francis after the long Good Friday Way of the Cross procession at Rome's Colosseum. Francis, 77, will get a few hours of rest before celebrating Easter Sunday Mass in the flower-strewn St. Peter's Square.

He then has a week to prepare for the other major celebration of this year's Easter season: the April 27 canonizations of Pope John XXIII and John Paul II. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend.